Dodgers: Penny struggled against the Nationals on Wednesday afternoon, allowing six runs on eight hits while striking out only one in five innings. The righty didn't figure in the decision, despite leaving the game down, 8-3. The Nationals just peppered the All-Star, putting the ball in play pitch after pitch, and Penny didn't help his cause, leaving his fastball up in the zone too often. Penny is 2-2 with a 2.60 ERA in seven career starts against the Cubs.

Cubs: Trachsel will likely make his first start for the Cubs since Sept. 3, 1999. The right-hander, acquired by the Cubs from Baltimore for two Minor Leaguers, was needed for his experience. He also had a solid August, posting a 2.37 ERA last month. The only player left from his first stint with the Cubs is Kerry Wood.

I would have loved to have seen a James Baldwin-Steve Trachsel showdown (slowdown?). I can just imagine the stories Rick Monday would tell without having to worry about letting half-inning breaks get in the way.